senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also called AMD or age-related macular degeneration, occurs when the macula — the central portion of the retina — begins to wear down, causing central vision loss.

People who suffer from AMD tend to lose their “straight ahead” vision, making it difficult to read, drive, and recognize faces. 

Total vision loss is unlikely, as there's typically enough peripheral vision to allow for other activities of daily life. 

Man with macular degeneration


Types of Macular Degeneration:

macular degeneration types

  • Dry AMD: small deposits called drusen damage retinal nerve cells and reduce vision
  • Wet AMD: new blood vessels form that leak and release fluid that harms the macula. This is a more severe form of AMD that can more quickly cause vision loss.

Don’t Let AMD Rob You of Your Sight

An estimated 196 million people are living with macular degeneration worldwide. Although those affected by it rarely lose all their vision, the vast majority suffer from some degree of vision loss. 

While there is currently no cure for AMD, there are certain treatments that can slow its progression — and low vision aids that can increase independent functioning.

If you think you're at risk or are experiencing symptoms, contact Crown Vision Center - Lindenwood today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Saint Charles

Our optometry practice in Saint Charles

Photograph of Charles Lutz
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

Risk Factors for AMD

  • Aged 50+

    The onset of AMD usually happens over the age of 50 and increases substantially with time. For instance, a 2% risk at age 55 can turn into a 30% risk by age 75.

  • Lifestyle factors

    Smoking or eating a diet high in saturated fat can increase your risk of AMD. Furthermore, these habits increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease–two additional risk factors for AMD.

  • Obesity

    Research shows that people with a BMI of over 30 double their chances of developing AMD.

  • Family History

    If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a higher risk of developing this eye condition.


How to Stop the Progression of Macular Degeneration

While there isn’t yet a cure for AMD or an effective way of reversing vision loss that has already occurred, you can take certain steps and adopt new habits to slow the progression of the disease.

Furthermore, certain treatments can slow its progression and low vision aids that can increase independent functioning.

Talk to us about how you can slow the progression of the disease and avoid vision loss by contacting Crown Vision Center - Lindenwood today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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195 Reviews
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- Nov. 25, 2023
We received excellent customer service
- Sep. 20, 2023
I love crown vision at this location. Any doctor that I see it doesn’t matter which one they’re ... always very helpful. Very nice they make me very comfortable and the staff all the women upfront and I do mean all of them saying that they are awesome is an understatement. I wouldn’t want to go to any other place or any other location for that matter because of them I’ve been with them for years and I love each and everyone of those women upfront they literally are the best I can’t say that enough seriously
- Sep. 01, 2023
Been seeing Dr Luz for over 25 years. He’s the best at prescribing your accurate lens! ❤️❤�... �❤️
- Aug. 18, 2023
Dr. Lutz and staff are awesome and will be visiting them next year!
- Jul. 23, 2023
First time visiting at this location and was AMAZED of getting an appointment right away (I was refe... rred to this location from another Crown Vision Center due to no openings), doctor and staff were excellent as well as the location!!! Thank you, keep doing what you do it is APPRECIATED!!!
- Jul. 11, 2023
Awesome customer service!
- Jun. 13, 2023
Very friendly staff. I was able to get in just before close on their later days so I didn’t have t... o bring 3 kids with me. I had some insurance issues and they were patient and helpful calling the insurance company for me. The Dr was also very nice and had some jokes. Overall good experience and I’d definitely choose this one over other locations again.
- May. 19, 2023
Dr Lutz is very good at what he does.
- May. 19, 2023
I got my eye exam and ordered glasses today and it was a pleasure being here. The staff is so friend... ly; especially the young ladies up front.
- Apr. 19, 2023
Love this location and the staff is absolutely amazing
- Apr. 09, 2023
So friendly and caring about my eye care and my needs.
- Apr. 01, 2023
2 thumbs up for the entire team at Crown Vision. Great customer service. Huge kudos to Ursula as she... is absolutely precious and a great asset to this location! Dr. Lutz is very kind, patient and great sense of humor.. highly recommend this location.
- Mar. 16, 2023
The people there are so nice, and dr.lutz is amazing
- Mar. 16, 2023
The workers are very knowledgeable
- Mar. 06, 2023
Awesome
- Feb. 23, 2023
Love the staff they are always very friendly and patient
- Oct. 31, 2022
I had to wait for quite awhile, even with a scheduled appointment. Good service, smart staff. I don'... t even need glasses, but I hadn't been checked in a long time.
- Oct. 21, 2022
Dr. Lutz is amazing! He is the only eye doctor I want to see, highly recommend
- Oct. 17, 2022
Dr. was great. The woman checking me out at the end was great. The only blemish was one gal. She ... did not give her name. She did very little talking except in giving direction. She wasn't rude, she just wasn't personalble.
- Oct. 14, 2022
Experienced doctor and staff that were able to quickly get my teenager's prescription for glasses ta... ken care of and ordered them. They came in quickly and without any problems. We will be doing business with the company in the future.

View All 195 Reviews

Macular Degeneration FAQs

What are the first signs of AMD?

You may have AMD and not know it. Typically, symptoms may not develop until the advanced stage of the eye disease.

First signs of AMD may include: 

  • Blurred vision
  • Blind spots or dark spots
  • Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
  • Faded colors 

 For early detection and better outcomes, it's important to undergo regular eye exams at our eye clinic, especially if you have a family history of AMD or other risk factors. 

How common is macular degeneration?

Statistics indicate that 8.7% of the world population has macular degeneration. The rate of AMD is expected to increase from 196 million in 2022 to 288 million by 2040.

What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?

Currently, the most common treatment for wet AMD is the injection of medications called anti-VEGF agents. High levels of VEGF in the eye increase the formation of abnormal blood vessels that cause much of the damage in wet AMD.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

Don’t let AMD stop you from doing the things you love.

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